THE SCOTCH MALT WHISKY SOCIETY UNVEILS FIESTA OF FLAVOUR FOR ISLAY AND SPEYSIDE FESTIVALS

SMWS takes members on flavour journey with a total of 10 exclusive bottles to celebrate both the Spirit of Speyside and Feis Ile festivals. 

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is making May a month to savour for its members with the release of 10 exclusive bottles to celebrate both the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival (3–7 May) and Feis Ile, The Islay Festival of Music and Malt (25 May–2 June).

The Society will also be holding a series of events at both festivals, as well as Speyside and Islay-themed tastings at its Members’ Rooms and partner bars throughout the UK and Europe.

Both regions have their superfans and this year the Society is urging members to make their voices heard, by joining the online debate between Speyside supporter the Craigellachie Crusader and peat freak the Islay Avenger at https://goo.gl/JgLRDe

The celebratory festival bottlings include:

Speyside

• 9.143: Graceful gravitas (21-years-old) – UK and EU bottling
• 107.13: Andalusian gazpacho (9-years-old) – UK and EU bottling

Islay

• 3.307: A journey into joy (20-years-old) – UK and EU bottling
• 3.308: A maritime meander (13-years-old)
• 10.141: Indulgence by the sea (12-years-old) – UK and EU bottling
• 10.146: Sweet smoky succulent sensation (9-years-old) – UK and EU bottling
• 29.241: A perfect moment (20-years-old) – UK and EU bottling
• 29.244: Weaving wondrous dreams (8-years-old) – available on Islay only
• 53.248: Slapped by Poseidon’s glove (11-years-old)
• 53.252: Smoky incarnations (11-years-old)

Helen Stewart, senior brand manager for the Society, said: “The Speyside and Islay Whisky Festivals are key dates in the whisky calendar, with May seeing the annual pilgrimage to the renowned whisky festivals. This year we have bottled more casks than ever before to give members all over the world even more opportunity to purchase one.”

For those fortunate enough to be travelling to the Islay Festival of Music and Malt, the SMWS will be releasing 29.244: Weaving wondrous dreams. To reward members who have made the journey to attend the Islay festival, this limited edition will only be available for existing and new members to purchase on the island.

The bottling is an 8-year-old peated whisky from a refill ex-bourbon barrel. The palate is described as intense – with an earthy sweetness (chocolate brownies, flying saucers, aniseed, liquorice root) and smoke-derived flavours of tar, iodine and coal. The SMWS Tasting Panel said, “the long-lasting medicinal smoke will waft and weave into wondrous dreams”.

With only 222 bottles available to members, this will be a very limited edition and sought-after bottle.

Like all Society bottlings, the distillery name is kept a secret on all the bottles.

The six casks destined for the UK and EU will be available (while stocks last) online at https://goo.gl/c38urY and at the Society’s venues and partner bars (by the dram only) from Friday 4 May 2018.

Speyside events

SMWS will be hosting tailored tasting events featuring special celebratory bottlings at the Speyside Festival with Society ambassador Hans Offringa. These will be held in SMWS official partner bar, The Quaich at The Craigellachie Hotel on Friday, 4 May. (http://www.spiritofspeyside.com/events)

Islay Whisky Festival

On Islay, the SMWS will be running a series of tastings and masterclasses throughout the festival, starting with an Open Day on Friday, 25 May on the lawns at Islay House, home to Society partner bar, The Peat Cutter Inn. Tastings and events will be hosted by master brand ambassador John McCheyne.

SMWS Venues: Members’ Rooms & Partner Bars

If you can’t make it to the festivals, then throughout May, the SMWS will be running Speyside & Islay-inspired offers and menus with matched whiskies in its Members’ Rooms and partner bars. There will also be special Islay and Speyside festival flights to sample and enjoy. Tastings will focus on an Islay versus Speyside theme, where the two regions will be presented against each other. In the Kaleidoscope Whisky Bar in Edinburgh, Festival themed cocktails will be created from Friday 4 May.

For more information about the Islay and Speyside bottlings and events, please visit https://goo.gl/JgLRDe

DRAM-TASTIC! TOMATIN SCOOP DOUBLE AWARD WIN

Tomatin Distillery has today (Tuesday 24^th April) announced that once again its 18 Year Old Single Malt has been awarded with ‘Double Gold’ at the San Francisco World Spirit Competition. This is the 5^th time the judging panel of over 40 industry experts crowned the malt with this medal making it the most consistently highly awarded malt in their core range.

Tomatin’s portfolio has seen increased international distribution across the board, and this prestigious award win further cements its reputation as a globally recognised whisky brand.

Inverness-based Stephen Bremner, Tomatin Sales Director, said: “We are delighted that our whiskies have yet again been recognised at these prestigious awards. With such stiff competition, we’re thrilled that such a breadth of Tomatin whiskies have been recognised and awarded not only Silver and Gold medals, but Double Gold awards too.”

The judging panel went through four days of blind tastings before going on to judge each entry on its own merit. The ‘Double Gold’ – awarded to the very few entries that receive a Gold medal – makes Tomatin’s 18 Year Old among one of the finest products in the world.

The 18 Year Old has been awarded nine gold awards and one silver since 2008 and is matured in oak casks and first fill Oloroso Sherry butts. Featuring flavours of honey and soft oak, the dram develops into a hint of dark chocolate with a citrus bite before a sustained sweet and slightly dry finish.

Tomatin received 13 medals in total at the spirits ‘Oscars’, with the 12 Year Old receiving its fifth gold in a row, while Tomatin’s travel retail range saw its 15 Year Old and 40 Year Old awarded gold, the latter receiving double gold. And for the first time ever, Tomatin’s Cask Strength was awarded a gold medal.

Founded in 2000, each year the San Francisco World Spirit Competition recognises exceptional products in the spirits industry and some of the finest products from around the world.

Tomatin’s trophy cabinet bursts with accolades and awards including winning Distiller of the Year 2016 and Brand Innovator of the Year 2017 at the Icons of Whisky Awards. Tomatin is also currently ranked in the Top 10 Single Malt brands in the USA and are one of the fastest growing brands in the UK.

Tomatin Distillery is located in the Scottish Highlands and is famous for its portfolio of thirty soft and mellow whiskies, including a core range, a limited-edition range and a premium archive range. Prices range from £29 – £2,500.

For further information please visit: www.tomatin.com

The Whisky Barrel releases their latest exclusive bottlings from Dumbarton and Invergordon. 

Specialist online whisky shop, TheWhiskyBarrel.com, is proud to release two fantastic exclusive bottlings. Both have been carefully selected by The Whisky Barrel under the guidance of Hunter Laing & Company Ltd.

Dumbarton 30 Year Old 1988 Sovereign Exclusive

The Dumbarton 30 Year Old 1988 Exclusive was bottled at cask strength by Hunter Laing in March 2018. Aged in a bourbon barrel, this Dumbarton is a light gold whisky with a sweet nose of tropical fruits, vanilla and salted caramel.

Dumbarton Distillery was a single grain distillery built in Dumbartonshire in the 1930s, at which time it was the largest in Scotland. Dumbarton closed in 2002 and has since been demolished, making The Whisky Barrel’s exclusive Dumbarton 30 Year Old 1988 Sovereign a very special addition to any collection.

Invergordon 40 Year Old 1978 Sovereign Exclusive

The Invergordon 40 Year Old 1978 Exclusive was bottle at cask strength, again by Hunter Laing in March 2018. It too was aged in a bourbon barrel but this whisky has a burnished gold look to it and a rich nose of blackberries, apples and toffee.

Invergordon Distillery is the most northerly of Scotland’s grain distilleries and was established in 1959. It is a favourite of blenders so it is very interesting to see a single grain Scotch come out; definitely something special.

Both of these exclusives would make perfect birthday or anniversary gifts and both are packed full of rich flavour.

Available exclusively from The Whisky Barrel, shipping to customers Worldwide including the United States of America, Canada and Japan. 

Dumbarton 30 Year Old Sovereign Exclusive | 1988 | Cask #HL14859 forTheWhiskyBarrel.com | 50.5%

Invergordon 40 Year Old Sovereign Exclusive | 1978 | Cask #HL14894 forTheWhiskyBarrel.com | 45%

Tasting notes – Dumbarton 30 Year Old 1988 Sovereign Exclusive 

Colour: Light gold

Nose: A sweet nose of tropical fruits, vanilla and salted caramel. 

Taste: Rich and sweet with toffee, milk chocolate and forest berries. 

Finish: Long with a lingering tropical nose. 

Price: £119.08 GBP / $139.39 USD (+ P&P) 

Tasting notes – Invergordon 40 Year Old 1978 Sovereign Exclusive

Colour: Burnished gold.

Nose: A rich nose of blackberries, apples and toffee. 

Taste: Sweet with salted caramel, forest fruits and green herbs. 

Finish: Long with lingering sweetness. 

Price: £191.22 GBP / $223.85 USD (+ P&P) 

Notice:-

1. Q) What is the product called?
   A) Dumbarton 30 Year Old 1988 Sovereign Exclusive; and Invergordon 40 Year Old 1978 Sovereign Exclusive.
2. Q) When will this product be released/was it released?
   A) Tuesday 24^th of April 2018.Q) Where is it available?
   A) Scotland, off-trade, TheWhiskyBarrel.com.Q) Is this product already available in other markets?
   A) Scotland only, TheWhiskyBarrel.com ships worldwide.Q) How much is it?
   A) Dumbarton 30 Year Old 1988 Sovereign Exclusive  – £119.08 GBP / $139.39 USD (+ P&P)

Invergordon 40 Year Old 1978 Sovereign Exclusive – £191.22 GBP / $223.85 USD (+ P&P)

1. Q) Who handles the product’s distribution?
   A) In-house at TheWhiskyBarrel.com.Q) What is the ABV of this product?
   A) Dumbarton 30 Year Old 1988 Sovereign Exclusive – 50.5% ABV natural cask strength.

Invergordon 40 Year Old 1978 Sovereign Exclusive – 45% ABV natural cask strength.

1. Q) Why has this product been launched?
   A) Limited Edition single cask distillery exclusive for The Whisky Barrel. 

Notes 

The Whisky Barrel is a speciaslit online whisky and spirits merchant based in Fife, Scotland and  was established in 2007. The Whisky Barrel won Whisky Magazine Online Retailer 2018 and was International Wine & Spirits Competition runner-up in 2016.

N.B. Prices correct at the time of publishing and are subject to currency fluctuation

INDUSTRY LEADERS TO GATHER TO DEBATE FUTURE OF WHISKY PRODUCTION

The whisky industry is preparing for the 2018 World Whisky Forum, with the programme of speakers and topics now announced.

The theme for the 2018 forum is Whisky 2020 with speakers from all areas of the industry considering the shape of future whisky production and consumption. The Forum will be moderated by Dave Broom.

Speakers include Ian Chang, Master Blender at Kavalan Distillery, who will discuss how grappling with the challenging climate in Yilan forced Kavalan to embrace innovation and turned it into a model for the distillery of the future.

The forum will also feature a panel discussion lead by Becky Paskin and Georgie Bell, founders of the recently launched #OurWhisky movement, on the changing face of whisky consumption and the importance for the future of the industry, of accurate representation of the diversity of whisky drinkers and producers.

Ingvar Ronde, one of the Forum’s organisers and author of the Malt Whisky Yearbook said: ‘The World Whisky Forum is about sharing experiences and the exchange of ideas. I expect the same open and curious atmosphere that characterized the first meeting at BOX last year. I’m especially happy to see this great mix of speakers, representing small entrepreneurial companies such as Kyrö from Finland as well as international giants like Hiram Walker and Kirin Brewery. I truly believe that gatherings like this are essential when it comes to shaping the future of whisky and it’s really fascinating to be a part of it when it happens.’

The Forum, now in its second year, will be hosted by the Cotswolds Distillery. The distillery was recently named Craft Producer of the Year (Worldwide) in Whisky Magazine’s Icons of Whisky Awards and Head Distiller, Nickolas Franchino, will be speaking on how small producers can carve out a place for themselves despite sharing a market with much bigger, more established players. Places at the Forum are open only to members of the industry and are extremely limited – for more information on securing a place visit www.worldwhiskyforum.org

NOTES 

The WORLD WHISKY FORUM was founded in 2017 by Jan Groth of Box/High Coast Distillery in Sweden. It is a stage for the new wave of distillers and whisky stakeholders around the world who put innovation, rethinking and, of course, craftsmanship first. It is a recurring event that takes place every eighteen months.

The COTSWOLDS DISTILLERY was founded in 2014 and is the first full-scale distillery in the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It was recently named Craft Producer of the Year in the Icons of Whisky Awards, and in the UK category of the Icons of Gin Awards.

For more information, please visit www.worldwhiskyforum.org and www.cotswoldsdistillery.com, or contact Jan Groth, Head of the World Whisky Forum +46 (0)70-494 18 01 jan.groth@worldwhiskyform.org or Zoe Rutherford, Communications Manager at the Cotswolds Distillery zrutherford@cotswoldsdistillery.com +44 1608 238 533.

A distillery considered Scotland’s best lowland whisky maker has confirmed it’s very first whisky festival attendance – a year before it will start to produce malts once again.

The highly coveted Rosebank distillery was purchased by Iain MacLeod Distillers last year and a rumoured £12million will be spent to start producing whisky once again from the site on the Union Canal, Falkirk.

Rosebank Distillery will attend The Whisky Social Falkirk this year, bringing rare Lowland single malts for the lucky attendees to sample.

Organiser of Whisky Social Falkirk – which also has events in Dundee and Belfast – Andy Ure said: “When we heard Rosebank was going to start producing again we thought it would be great to get them involved in the festival so we are over the moon that not only will be attending, but it will be the first festival they ever attend.

“There is real nostalgia surrounding the distillery, and people are excited that soon there will be new bottlings. With Falkirk Distillery also coming to fruition shortly, Falkirk is cementing itself as a whisky town once again.”

Brand ambassadors will be pouring Rosebank 12 year old to sample and discussing plans to re-open the distillery at Whisky Social Falkirk.

The malt stopped being produced in 1993 when owners Diageo decided to cease production over upgrading costs as well as road access difficulties. The warehouse was sold to be turned into a Beefeater restaurant while the distillery was sold to British Waterways. Iain MacLeod bought the rights to the name and the site and plan to install three sills to recreate Rosebank’s historic sweet, floral malts as well as a visitor centre to give an insight into the history of the distillery that opened in 1817.

Whisky Social Falkirk is on Saturday, August 18 at the Dobbie Hall, Larbert. Limited tickets are still avaiable from www.harbroevents.co.uk

Irish Distillers announces the appointment of Henry Donnelly as new Distiller at the Micro Distillery at Midleton 

Dublin, 17th of April 2018 – Irish Distillers, Ireland’s leading supplier of spirits and wines and producer of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys, today announced the appointment of Henry Donnelly as the new Distiller of the Micro Distillery at the Midleton Distillery in Co Cork. As part of his new role, Henry will be responsible for the day to day operations of the Micro Distillery in Midleton and will work closely with Master Distiller Brian Nation on the production of innovative and experimental new whiskeys to add to the existing Irish Distillers portfolio.

Henry graduated from University College Cork in 2016 with a degree in Process and Chemical Engineering and joined the Jameson Graduate Distiller programme. Following successful completion of the programme, Henry was appointed as Process Technologist in the Midleton Distillery, a role that combined the role of brand ambassador with process optimisation.

Commenting on the announcement, Henry Donnelly, Distiller at the Micro Distillery, said: “I started my journey with Irish Distillers in 2016 when I was accepted on the graduate distiller programme and was lucky to learn from the masters about the intricacies of the entire whiskey production process – from grain to glass. As the new Distiller of the Micro Distillery, I am looking forward to working closely with Brian and using my training and experience to produce a range of exciting and innovative new whiskeys.”

Commenting on the appointment, Brian Nation, Master Distiller at Midleton Distillery, said: “We opened the Micro Distillery in 2015 and since then it has allowed us to explore experimental and innovative new mash bills and distillates, all of which are currently maturing. We are also looking to the past and experimenting with recipes and production techniques used by the great distillers that have come before us from the Jameson and Powers families and the Murphy family of the Cork Distilleries Company. On top of that, it is a space where we can train the up and coming distillers of tomorrow. It is a fully manual operation which requires our young talent to hone and test their skills every day and to really understand the fundamentals of how to make the finest whiskeys in the world. We are delighted to announce the appointment of Henry to the role, we have no doubt that he will play his part in adding exciting new chapters to the incredible story of Irish whiskey.”

As the Distiller in the Micro Distillery, Henry will also provide training to colleagues on the entire production process and enhance the visitor experience in the Jameson Experience Midleton.

Henry replaces Karen Cotter, who has moved into a role on the main site of the Midleton Distillery.

Notes 

About Irish Distillers

Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard is Ireland’s leading supplier of spirits and wines and producer of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys. Led by Jameson, our brands are driving the global renaissance of Irish whiskey. Jameson is the world’s fastest-growing Irish whiskey, experiencing 28 years of consecutive growth and hitting sales of 6.5m cases in 2017. Our brands are exported to 130+ markets, with over 71 of those experiencing double- or triple-digit growth.

Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son and Cork Distilleries Company. In 1988 Irish Distillers joined Pernod Ricard, gaining access to unprecedented levels of investment and an extensive global distribution network. Since 2012, we have invested over €250m to double our production and bottling capacity to meet global demand for our products.

We employ over 600 people across our operations in Cork and Dublin. 

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the world’s no.2 in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of €9,010 million in FY17. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Malibu liqueur, Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of approximately 18,500 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 86 “Market Companies” established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics.

Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index.

BENROMACH LAUNCHES ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS WITH 20^TH ANNIVERSARY BOTTLING  

The Benromach Distillery Company Ltd celebrated a significant milestone in the distillery’s history today (23^rd April 2018) with the release of the Benromach 20^thAnniversary Bottling.

This special whisky celebrates 20 years since production started at Benromach after the distillery was refurbished and re-opened in 1998. Distilled in the first year of production, only 3,000 bottles of this highly anticipated limited edition single malt will be available worldwide.

Matured in first fill oak casks in the traditional dunnage warehouses at the distillery in Forres, Scotland, the 20^th Anniversary Bottling is part of the classic range of Speyside single malt Scotch whiskies.

This single malt whisky epitomises Benromach’s classic style. It has an exceptional vintage character, with rich fruits, fresh citrus and charred oak with subtle spice and a light touch of smoke on the finish.

The 20^th Anniversary Bottling is presented in a special Benromach bottle, nestling in an elegantly lined wooden box. It also features copper detailing, reminiscent of the distillery’s two gleaming copper pot stills. A beautifully written and presented hardback book accompanies the whisky and celebrates the time-honoured traditions that are employed into lovingly crafting this unique single malt Scotch whisky.

There will be 3,000 bottles and 400 of these will be available for purchase at the Benromach Visitor Centre in Forres.

Keith Cruickshank, Distillery Manager at Benromach, who joined as a Distiller in 1998 said: “When we began distilling again in 1998, we wanted to recreate the unique Speyside whisky taste which historically had a touch of smoke. The 20^th Anniversary Bottling uses the finest ingredients to create a gorgeous whisky that has exceptional depth and smoothness.

“This new expression gives Benromach lovers around the world the chance to own and taste a moment in time from the distillery’s rich history. Part of the Benromach classic range of single malts, this is a rare and exceptional whisky and a fitting dram to unite Benromach consumers globally to celebrate our 20^th anniversary year.”

Desired by many, owned by few, the Benromach 20^th Anniversary Bottling captures the classic character of Benromach Speyside single malt Scotch whisky – rich, smooth and beautifully balanced, with a hint of smoke. This is the traditional taste, which was almost lost forever, but brought back by the distillery when it reopened in 1998. Benromach is one of only a few distilleries in Scotland to use traditional methods, without any automated machinery. The small team of distillers employ all their senses when crafting this classic Speyside single malt Scotch whisky, managing the process by sight, sound and touch to create the unique, handcrafted and authentic Benromach taste.

The Benromach 20^th Anniversary Bottling is available worldwide from Monday 23^rd April 2018, with a UK RRP of £299. Prices in international markets may vary depending on local taxes and duty.

For more information on Benromach, and to explore the wide range of expressions available, please visit www.benromach.com

Notes 

Tasting Notes

Pour your dram of Benromach 20^th Anniversary Bottling and prepare your senses to encounter an experience as rare as this gorgeous whisky. First, lift your glass to the light and appreciate the beautiful deep amber hue created by lingering for many years in first fill oak casks as the whisky grew and matured in character. Take a short inhalation, appreciating the wonderful aromas without water. Enjoy the rich notes of fruit cake, mingling with sweet demerara sugar and vanilla. Underlying hints of zingy citrus and dark chocolate develop with a touch of warm spice.

Benromach Distillery

Originally built in 1898, Benromach Distillery was brought back to life when the Urquhart family realised a lifelong dream to own a distillery and purchased it in 1993. The distillery was extensively re-equipped over a five-year period before it was officially opened by HRH Prince Charles in 1998.

In reopening Benromach Distillery, the Urquhart family decided to create a classic Speyside single malt – a style that draws its influence from Speyside whiskies pre-1960s.

Benromach Distillery is located on the outskirts of the ancient market town of Forres. A four-star visitor centre is open to the public throughout the year for tours and tastings. Benromach Distillery is a member of the world-famous Malt Whisky Trail

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY ROLLS OUT 7 MILLIONTH BARREL

Warehouse dedication held for Warehouse AA on the Distillery’s farm 

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (April 12, 2018) – Marking a significant milestone of growth, Buffalo Trace Distillery rolled out its seven millionth barrel produced since Prohibition on Wednesday and held an official dedication for the first warehouse built on its farm. Tour guide and third-generation employee Freddie Johnson had the honor of carrying on his father’s legacy, and rolled the seven millionth barrel into Warehouse V with a little help from his grandson. Johnson’s late father Jimmy Johnson, a former warehouse supervisor, had notably rolled out each millionth barrel produced at Buffalo Trace since Prohibition.

The seven millionth barrel was rolled into Warehouse V, the world’s smallest bonded warehouse, which was constructed specifically to house each millionth barrel produced at the Distillery following Prohibition.  Up until Wednesday, Warehouse V held the six millionth barrel, which Jimmy Johnson had rolled out at age 92 on May 14, 2008.

A private audience made up mostly of employees witnessed the historic milestone, and Distillery President and CEO Mark Brown spoke briefly.

That same day, the Distillery also officially dedicated the first warehouse, Warehouse AA, built on its farm. Warehouse AA is the first of 30 new warehouses to be built on the Distillery’s farm over the next 10 years, each of which will hold 68,800 barrels. This major expansion of warehouse capacity marks another milestone of growth at the National Historic Landmark Distillery and is part of the first large scale structural expansion at the Distillery’s campus since the 1950s.

            The Distillery is moving right along with plans to build a new warehouse on the farm every four months. Warehouse AA is now complete and nearly full with barrels, construction of Warehouse BB is already nearly complete, the foundation for Warehouse CC has been poured and the first ricks are taking shape, and the ground has been prepared for Warehouse DD.

            It took nearly 10 years for Buffalo Trace to replace its six millionth barrel with its seven millionth barrel, but the Distillery team is anticipating a much shorter turnaround for the eight millionth barrel as the Distillery is able to expand bourbon production and roll more and more barrels into the warehouses on the farm.

The Distillery plans to bottle the bourbon from the six millionth barrel this summer and offer 375ml bottles of the bourbon to charities for fundraising efforts. Information about how to apply for a bottle will be announced at that time.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1773 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 21 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its Col. E. H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain Bourbon was named World Whiskey of the Year by Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible 2018.  Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 500 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.

Due to the rarity and renowned craftsmanship of the legendary Stitzel-Weller Distillery, Blade and Bow 22-Year-Old is in high demand. The re-release of Blade and Bow 22-Year-Old honors the 83rd anniversary of the opening of Stitzel-Weller Distillery, which continues to stand as a true staple in American whiskey history. I’ve attached a fact sheet with all the details.

Since its release, Blade and Bow 22-Year-Old has been recognized by many respected spirits awards including:

–              Named “Best Straight Bourbon” and awarded Double Gold at the 2015 San Francisco World Spirits Competition

–              Awarded a score of 99 and Chairman’s Trophy at the 2016 Ultimate Spirits Challenge

–              Best Bourbon 10 years and over from multiple barrels from Jim Murray’s 2017 Whisky Bible

Blade and Bow will be continuing its tradition of celebrating Kentucky Derby weekend with the third annual A Stitzel-Weller Affair on May 4th.  The event includes a seated dinner hosted by chef Hugh Acheson and a private performance by well-known musician Marc Broussard.